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Abstract

Physically valid electromagnetic continuity equations can be generated from either the usual form of the Poynting vector E⃗×H⃗ or the alternative E⃗×B⃗ form. However, the continuity equations are not identical, which means that quantities following from E⃗×H⃗ cannot always be compared directly to those from E⃗×B⃗. In particular, the work done on the bound current densities are attributed differently in the two representations. We also comment on the negative refraction condition used.